Thursday Rundown: The App of the Year and Growth in the City of Asylum

These topics air Thursday December 19, 2013 at noon and 8pm on 90.5 WESA. To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. Join the conversation LIVE between 12pm & 1 pm weekdays at 412-246-2002.

Pittsburgh Foundation Food Bank Match FundThe Holiday season, and cuts to the state's SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) have triggered an increased need for donations to local food banks. The Pittsburgh Foundation's year end match program is helping to meet the need at this crucial time of year. Grant Oliphant, President and CEO of the foundation joins us to discuss this year’s match fund.

App of the YearInterested in learning a new language? There’s an app for that, it’s called Duolingo. And it’s just been named Apple’s App of the Year. We’ll speak with Luis von Ahn, Carnegie Mellon computer science professor who founded Duolingo with his doctoral student Severin Hacker.

City of Asylum ExpansionCreated as a sanctuary for writers in exile, City of Asylum is expanding into a vehicle for community development on the city’s North Side. Joining us to talk about the organizations latest role is Henry Reese, founder of City of Asylum.

Vermont Bed and BreakfastsFrom historic Bennington, to Burlington on the shores of Lake Champlain there’s a lot to see and do in Vermont. One of the best ways to enjoy the Green Mountain State is a cozy stay at a bed and breakfast. This week travel contributor Elaine Labalme suggests places where you can enjoy the moonlight in Vermont.